Hacker takes on this role as the Spartan Brigade’s command sergeant major from U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ildefonso E. Barraza, who will resume his role as the senior enlisted adviser to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 4-25th IBCT.

“We as a combat team will write the next chapter in this great brigade’s history,” said Hacker. “I look forward to being your brigade command sergeant major.”

He has held a number of key leadership and staff positions in his 27 years of service.

“To the paratroopers on the field today, you look outstanding,” said Hacker. “And a lot of people think the change of command is about the sergeant major, but it’s about the unit. It’s about the soldiers and it’s about the history of the brigade. And what you represent, which is 3,800 plus paratroopers in this brigade.”

The change of responsibility ceremony is a tradition in which the passing of the guidon symbolizes the honor and duty expected of the incoming noncommissioned officer who assumes their role in leadership. The passing of the guidon signifies the relinquishing of responsibility and authority from the outgoing to the incoming command sergeant major.

“I’m humbled and blessed to have been given this opportunity to serve this organization at another level,” said Barraza. “It was short and it was fast, but I leave with a well knowledge and the understanding of how each battalion plays a critical part in the role in the success of this outstanding airborne brigade combat team.”

Barraza will resume his duties as the command sergeant major for 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 4-25th IBCT. He also offered words of encouragement to Hacker in his new role as the senior adviser to the Spartan Brigade.

“To Command Sgt. Maj. Hacker, good luck, you bring with you the right experience and leadership for this organization,” said Barraza.